Kerag tried to take in the view as she formally introduced Wistvale to him. It seemed pleasant enough in the dark. Worth a year of traveling? He wasn't sure yet. But for a frontier town, it had it's charms. The old orc made a mental note to survey Wistvale better once dawn passed and it was easier to get his bearings about him, as for now, the blue woman offered to show him the town and its seedier soon to be arrested occupants.
He tried not to laugh, a guilty expression settling over his features. "Do I look like I can do quiet?" He moved in an exaggerated fashion, armor clanking in response to her question. Kerag re assumed a serious disposition and shook his head. "I'll try to keep the noise down..." He grumbled and almost as an afterthought, "Presuming you want these ruffians alive." He shook his head again, "Yeah I can try." Needless to say he wasn't a stealthy rogue or silver tongued minstrel, and covert operations weren't his forte. But If he could make Mikael's job easier, he would give it his best.
Extending his arm out, Kerag's green eye fixated on her. "After you milady."
I suppose not. Alive would be good, but I have a feeling you don't do "alive," either. Dead's just as well, but only if they resist violently. Let's go. And...please. Margrett is fine.
She winked and walked ahead of Kerag, purposefully putting a little more swing in her step.
Kerag chuckled. "How astute of you Margrett. If it pays more I'll try to 'hold back' If they resist of course." He caught the wink and grinned, aware of what she was doing as she passed him. He began to follow, green eye set forward on the path ahead, though sometimes darting down a ways before shooting back up, careful not to be caught.
"So the blue rose is as sweet as she is talented." He remarked, adjusting his movements to slower strides, attempting to silence the plate mail. Given his appearance and gruff demeanor, he found the compliment amusing and a novelty. "Perhaps we can explore this intriguing dialogue over an ale and smoke but for the moment, entertain a few questions of mine."
Kerag kept his voice low, within earshot distance from Margrett. "Any idea who boss man is?"
Last Edit: Sept 5, 2011 0:15:57 GMT -5 by Sir Kerag
She cleared her throat and her swagger stopped. Her voice got serious and even.
Finble Stormscrabble, goblin merchant and dealer of illicit goods. So far we've got him on possession of five magically-addicting drugs, four illegal potions, and we think he's dipping into the soul trade. He's moving up and wanting to base his operations in Wistvale, and if we can stop him now we can stop him for good.
Pleased with her response Sir Kerag smiled first then began to frown once she explained their target. The orc knight croaked the word "Goblins" with pure utter distaste. But the list of charges was impressive, if not typically despicable of their kind. He felt satisfied with her answer, even more motivated to catch Stormscrabble quickly. Illegal and magic contraband were one thing, but the vile soul trade made his skin crawl.
Kerag's eye fell upon the map in Margrett's hand.
"Don't suppose we're close to our first lead?" His curiosity peaked, focused on catching the bounty. The crescent moon glistened above them, a tapestry of stars surrounding it, aiding in lighting the streets but not by much.
As an answer, she stopped him with a hand on his chest and pointed wordlessly to a house on the street, one that was actually well-maintained, compared to the others in the neighborhood. It was lit from within; clearly someone was there. She jerked her head to the pathway that led around the back of the building, into the shadows. Her darker clothes blended well into the blue night, but she stopped at the back corner of the building, waiting for him to follow.
Kerag caught her meaning and kept quiet, taking a good look at the hideout. It starkly contrasted with the surrounding buildings and he felt a pang of surprise when he tried to consider a goblin claiming residence here. Whether it was Stormscrabble or not was yet to be seen, but Kerag had his hopes. How he despised the little stinking creatures! Conniving and obnoxious folk goblins were impeccably in his opinion.
He followed Margrett into the cover of darkness, well aware of how much better her attire and complexion allowed her to blend into the shadows and move gracefully through the pathway. Kerag caught up to her at the back corner of the building, anticipating a back door or window. He tapped her shoulder as he came behind her, his movement short, slow and restricted.
There's probably a back door. We have reason to think they're in here, so that's not a problem. One of us will open the door, the other run in. You want to do it or should I?
Kerag spotted the unassuming back door leading into the hideout, walking past Margrett as he whispered, "I'll handle the door, they won't react well if it's my ugly mug they see first." He stifled his grumbling chuckle, approaching a finely carved wooden door, embroidered fancifully with little animal designs, some he recognized, others monstrous and beyond his recognition.
He tried opening it, the lock holding it in place. Kerag paused, making eye contact with Margrett again as he pantomimed kicking the door, hoping she was ready. He raised his plate boot, growling as he precisely kicked at the center of the door, shattering the once lovely design. His blood was pumping again, adrenaline flooding over his senses, the combat-lust teetering on the edge of his control as he tried to calm his rapid breathing and the excitement of confrontation!
Last Edit: Sept 5, 2011 15:29:01 GMT -5 by Sir Kerag
Margrett shot inside, her hammer raised and arm up to defend herself. She shrugged off the splinters of the door and landed inside. She looked around, and sighed.
No one here. The room was empty, a single lantern lit.
Oh how he was ready to smash some skulls in. Yes, absolutely intoxicated as the urge was taking control, quickly following Margrett as she entered.
"Empty?!" Kerag roared, unable to mask his frustration. He stomped across the room, looking at every crevice, giving the room a careful inspection. "Goblins are infamous tricksters, perhaps this was a decoy, a bloody good one at that. Or..." The orc stomped a little harder as he walked across the room, banging his hand against the walls; listening for hollow spots.
Kerag's eyebrow arched in astonishment, his hand going through the wall into the hidden alcove. He laughed, his other frustrations fleeting in the midst of accomplishment. "Told ya about these bloody goblins, full of secrets." He grunted, giving the talisman a careful glance. Evidence of the rumor sealed Stormscrabble's fate on the charges presented, and he felt obligated to take the foul creature into custody.
"Luck is all it was I'm sure." He modestly replied, though it was obvious his ego had inflated tenfold. "Yes it's best if we make haste Margrett, I would have him caught before the night's end."
(Thanks btw, I love rewards! ^^)
Last Edit: Sept 5, 2011 18:05:52 GMT -5 by Sir Kerag
Kerag broke into a sprint after her, intending to keep up with her, only to realize she was slowing herself down to accommodate him. Considering the heavy sword strapped at his back and the plate armor, he tried telling himself he was doing well, but also noted that he wasn't a young orc anymore and felt the strain on his muscles as he panted, breathing deep as he kept pace. His mind turned away from the exertion and focused on catching Stormscrabble.
There were certain advantageous in keeping behind Margrett's stride, and as much as he wanted to catch the sneaky goblin merchant, the view on the way delighted him.